Teaching Assistants at Amarillo College serve a variety of functions and are identified by the shirt color worn. This
program was developed to assist the coaches so that beginning fencers could receive individual attention and coaches could
devote their time to the running of the class.
Senior Teaching
Assistants
"Red Shirts"
Senior Teaching
Assistants are known as "Red Shirts." Their primary responsibilities are to assist the coaches during the class
by managing strips and leading individual and group drills as directed by the coaches. They are integral to managing
Amarillo College's Beginning Adult and Children's Classes, the Intermediate Children's Class and the Intermediate-Advanced
Adult Class.
Red Shirts
are ACFA's most experienced fencers. They have been appointed by the Head Coach after consultation with the other coaches
and confirmed by the Board. Most, if not all, have competed at USFA National Competitions, including the National Junior
Olympic Championships. Most hold a USFA classification in one or more weapons. Some of these fencers
also hold a "Fencing Instructor" or "Assistant Moniteur" certificate from the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
ACFA's current
Red Shirts, serving terms to expire on July 31, 2012, include:
- Luke Castleman
- Nicholas Durante
- Derik Nusz
- Juleah Nusz
- Jered Wilkinson
While the Red
Shirt program is primarily designed to assist with the smooth operation of the Amarillo College Fencing Classes, the Red Shirts
also serve ACFA as an extension of the coaching staff. They are asked to serve as strip coaches at tournaments for other
ACFA fencers when coaches are not available. They also serve as mentors for new fencers.
Junior Teaching
Assistants
"Green Shirts"
Junior Teaching
Assistants are known as "Green Shirts." Their primary responsibilities are to assist the Coaches and Red Shirts by participating
in individual and groups drills with beginning students and managing AC and club equipment during the beginning
fencing classes. They are responsible for removing equipment from the storage room before class and properly storing
the equipment after class. They do not hold any office or supervisory responsibilities except as designated by the coaching
staff during fencing classes.
To be eligible
to be a "Green Shirt," a fencer is required to demonstrate basic fencing skills to the Head Coach and demonstrate a knowledge
of fencing terminology. They must also be able to teach basic skills to beginning level fencers. The Head Coach
will decide how many "Green Shirts" will be appointed each semester.
Most of these fencers
were in the beginning children's class and have "aged out" of the children's program (which happens at age 13).
These fencers are required to register for the Amarillo College Intermediate-Advanced Adult Fencing Class.
ACFA's current
Green Shirts, serving terms to expire on July 31, 2012, include:
- Seth Bodine
- Grace Castleman
- Claire Cockerham
- Noah Glenn
- Lexi Martin
- Brandi Maynard
- Colby McCahan
- Joshua McCormack
- Macy Slagle
- Ashton Thephaphine
- Claudia Wrampelmeier
